The French are known for their impeccable style and dedication to their language. But it seems a cultural clash is brewing over a recent trend: the proliferation of "-core" fashion terms. Cottagecore, gorpcore, balletcore – these anglicized phrases are now under fire from French language officials who are fighting to preserve the purity of the French language.
Earlier this week, the Commission for the Enrichment of the French Language (CELF) issued a call to action, urging French speakers to ditch the "-core" suffix. According to the CELF, these terms, while widely used to describe clothing styles and lifestyles, are unnecessary anglicisms that can be easily replaced with more traditional French expressions.
The '-core' Controversy
Writing in the Journal Officiel, the official publication of France's legislative and regulatory texts, the CELF stated that "terms formed with the English ending core, such as cottagecore, royalcore, Barbiecore, or gorpcore, are widely used to describe a clothing style and, by extension, a lifestyle inspired by an idealised vision of a particular universe." However, they suggest a simple solution: replace "-core" with "style." So, instead of Barbiecore, they propose "Barbie style," and gorpcore becomes "hiker style."
This isn't the first time the French have taken a stand against anglicisms. They are known for their strong opinions on cultural matters, from their insistence on proper etiquette to their disdain for certain aspects of American culture. “They think it’s bizarre not to take a two-hour lunch break,” one source noted, highlighting the cultural differences. The show *Emily in Paris* is even considered "worse than cliche" by some.
Barbie's Enduring Appeal
Speaking of Barbiecore, the iconic doll is currently enjoying a renaissance, fueled in part by a recent exhibit at the Museum of Arts & Design. As Sharon Lorenzo notes in her article, Ruth and Elliott Handler were inspired by a German cartoon character in 1956, leading to the creation of Barbie and her subsequent rise as a cultural icon.
The Barbie exhibit showcases the evolution of Barbie's style and her impact on popular culture. From her classic 1950s look to her more modern and diverse incarnations, Barbie continues to influence fashion trends and inspire creativity. Whether or not the French embrace "Barbie style" remains to be seen.
Will the French 'Arrêt'?
The question remains: will the French actually stop using "-core"? It's difficult to say. Language is constantly evolving, and new words and phrases are adopted all the time. However, the French have a strong tradition of linguistic purism, and the CELF's intervention could have a significant impact. Only time will tell if the "-core" trend will survive the French language police.
For now, fashion enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic will be watching closely to see how this linguistic battle unfolds. Will "Barbie style" replace Barbiecore? Will gorpcore become a thing of the past, replaced by the more traditional "hiker style"? Only time will tell.